SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) - Now that Illinois allows civil unions for unmarried couples, and other states are allowing same-sex couples to get married, Illinois tourism officials are trying to market the state to the gay and lesbian community.

A new portion of the state’s tourism website has collected information about gay-friendly lodging and attractions, as well as links to information about pride festivals and other LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) resources.

Illinois Office of Tourism director Jan Kostner says, “In a study conducted by OutNow Global, (LGBT) travelers spend an average of about $1,974 on leisure travel over the past year, and it’s a community that we want to know that they’re welcome.”

A California company called Community Marketing has set up some guidelines for approved LGBT-friendly businesses, and a link to that information is also on the Pride Illinois tourism site.

Link: www.enjoyillinois.com/lgbt

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